Let’s confidently hit the water and sun. Follow my selection of the 7 best swim shirts for fat guys to pick the right one that fits your body while making you comfortable.
The coolest place for heavy guys like me is by the beach, swimming pool, or simply a local lake whenever the summer comes. Since this desire tends to be increasing, the need for the best swim shirts for fat guys also rises. Unfortunately, finding the right swim shirts or rash guards for fat guys is not always easy due to the limited choices available.
Not only looking for a normal rash guard that fits our big torso, but we also need to consider if these swim shirts provide us with enough UV protection or not. Let alone they should look perfectly fit on our torso, so we don’t feel embarrassed about our bodies. In other words, the best swim shirts for fat guys, as in my opinion of a big person myself, should be available in extended sizes that fit our large bodies without looking like we are wearing a bodysuit.
So, if you are a fat guy having problems finding the right swim shirt or just want to buy for your big and tall friend a good rash guard, this article will definitely help you out. As a fat and tall person myself, I have spent lots of time and money searching for and trying on a wide variety of swim shirts for heavy people. Fortunately, I have found some models that work perfectly for me.
And I want to share with you the list of the top 7 best swim shirts for fat guys so that you can feel more confident and comfortable wearing yours and enjoy your cool summertime. They are available in various size ranges for big people, different styles, and colors for you to choose from. Let’s delve into it right now!
Table of Contents
- What Are The Best Swim Shirts for Fat Guys?
- Best Swim Shirts for Fat Guys – Comparison Chart
- Top 7 Best Swim Shirts for Fat Guys Reviews of 2022
- Best For Men: Kanu Surf Men’s Cb Rashguard Extended Size Swim Shirt
- Best For Women: ATTRACO Women Plus Size Rash Guard Short Sleeve Swim Shirt
- Best For Large Bust: Aqua Design Rashguard UPF50+ Short Sleeve Women’s Swim Shirt
- Best For Small Chest: Aqua Design Short Sleeve Rashguard Men Swim Shirt
- Best For Lap Swimming: WindRider Men’s Rash Guard Long Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt
- Best For Sun Protection: BALEAF Men’s Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Sun Protection Rashguard Swim Shirt
- Best For Budget: Amazon Essentials Men’s Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Shirt
- Buying Guide – How to Pick the Right Swim Shirts for Fat Guys
- My top Pick
What Are The Best Swim Shirts for Fat Guys?
It is the fact that picking the best swim shirts for fat guys is not a piece of cake. There are lots of things to consider. Besides the sizes and materials, availability seems to be one of the things that takes the most time. Also, since there are too many models with different styles, you might not know which one should fit you most. So, here are some suggestions for you to consider.
Best For Men: Kanu Surf Men’s Cb Rashguard Extended Size Swim Shirt
“Loose fit without saggy, durable material, notably breathable, light and cool on the skin, excellent sun and UV rays protection”
Best For Women: ATTRACO Women Plus Size Rash Guard Short Sleeve Swim Shirt
“Figure-flattering and comfortable fit, no cling to your body, effectively block sun rays, fast-drying, and long-lasting fabric”
Best For Large Bust: Aqua Design Rashguard UPF50+ Short Sleeve Women’s Swim Shirt
“Elastic material for unrestricted movement, perfect fit without too tight, soft and cool to touch, good ability to block harmful UV rays”
Best For Small Chest: Aqua Design Short Sleeve Rashguard Men Swim Shirt
“Offer all-day comfort, lightweight and breathable feeling, easy to care for material, flexible without sagging”
Best For Lap Swimming: WindRider Men’s Rash Guard Long Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt
“Excellent moisture-wicking, offer close fit with no tightness, breathable fabric, flexible enough for good mobility”
Best For Sun Protection: BALEAF Men’s Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Sun Protection Rashguard Swim Shirt
“Very versatile, an incredible level of blocking UV and sun rays, elastic for unrestricted movement, exceptional comfort”
Best For Budget: Amazon Essentials Men’s Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Shirt
“Quite durable fabric, soft and comfortable on the skin, provide an excellent loose fit, breathable for all-day comfort”
Best Swim Shirts for Fat Guys – Comparison Chart
Size is always one of the most crucial things to look for when we big guys are in search of the best swim shirts for fat guys. However, it is not everything since choosing the one that fits your needs is also equally crucial. So, I put the comparison chart below so that you can easily compare some vital factors between the best rash guards for big persons. This way, you might get a better picture of the swim shirt that best suits you.
| Best Swim Shirts for Fat Guys | It’s Best for | Material | Size | Chest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanu Surf Men’s Cb Rashguard Extended Size Swim Shirt | Best for Men | Polyester | S - 5XL | - |
| ATTRACO Women Plus Size Rash Guard Short Sleeve Swim Shirt | Best for Women | Nylon and spandex | XS - 3XL | 34.3 - 46.1 in |
| Aqua Design Rashguard UPF50+ Short Sleeve Women’s Swim Shirt | Best for Large Bust | Polyester and spandex | XS - 6XL | 30 - 63 in |
| Aqua Design Short Sleeve Rashguard Men Swim Shirt | Best for Small Chest | Polyester and spandex | XS - 6XL | 30 - 69 in |
| WindRider Men’s Rash Guard Long Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt | Best for Lap Swimming | Polyester and spandex | XS - 3XL | - |
| BALEAF Men’s Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Sun Protection Rashguard Swim | Best for Sun Protection | Nylon and spandex | S - 2XL | 35.5 - 48.5 in |
| Amazon Essentials Men’s Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Shirt | Best for Budget | Polyester | 2XL - 7XL | 50 - 72 in |
Top 7 Best Swim Shirts for Fat Guys Reviews of 2022
As a big guy weighing over 350 lbs, I understand the issues we fat guys have to face whenever we go to the swimming pool or beach. I didn’t realize until it was too late that big and tall guys can also look beautiful at the beach, like any other person. But, you know, better late than never. So, I hope that my review of the 7 best swim shirts for fat guys will help you save time and money searching for your most suitable one.
Now, let’s have a closer look at the detailed review of these best rash guards for heavy people.
Best For Men: Kanu Surf Men’s Cb Rashguard Extended Size Swim Shirt
Key features
- 100% polyester
- UPF 50+
- Short-sleeved rashguard
- Crew neckline
- Machine washable
- Contrast panels at both sides
Product specs
| Brand | Kanu Surf |
| Material | Polyester |
| Size | S – 5 XL |
| Chest | – |
| Waist | 28 – 58 in |
| Types of sleeves | Short sleeves |
| Sun protection | UPF 50+ |
| Colors | Various |
The very first and one of the best swim shirts for fat guys I want to recommend is the Kanu Surf Men’s Cb Rashguard Extended Size Swim Shirt. You can see that this rash guard comes in a far looser fit than other normal or conventional swim shirts. However, it is exceptionally comfortable and light on your skin. This is because of the high-quality, 100% polyester fabric.
Since the material features advanced wicking technology, you will feel more breathable, and the shirt also dries faster itself. It is just perfect for swimming at the beach, pool, running, or just doing some workouts. More importantly, it will not cling too much to your body when you are out of the water. This, as a result, will make you feel much more confident.
Another great point of this rash guard is the high UV protection. It offers a UPF 50+ rating, protecting your skin from harmful sun rays while enjoying water activities outdoors. What’s more, this model can be washed by a washing machine and still last long from summer to summer.
- Offer loose and comfortable fit
- The top-quality material dries fast and lasts very long
- Can keep moisture away from your body
- Provide a breathable, soft, and lightweight feeling
- Easy to wash by the washing machine and care for
- Protect you from sunburn with an excellent UPF rating
- Might need to go 1 size up ;
Best For Women: ATTRACO Women Plus Size Rash Guard Short Sleeve Swim Shirt
Key features
- 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex
- Banded crew neck
- Flatlock seams
- UPF 50+
Product specs
| Brand | ATTRACO |
| Material | Nylon and spandex |
| Size | XS – 3XL |
| Chest | 34.3 – 46.1 in |
| Waist | 24.4 – 36.2 in |
| Types of sleeves | Short sleeves |
| Sun protection | UPF 50+ |
| Colors | Various |
If you are looking for the best swim shirt for big women, then you should not miss out on the ATTRACO Women Plus Size Rash Guard Short Sleeve Swim Shirt. It offers a loose fit, allowing for full-body movement in the most comfortable way possible. Besides, it comes in a wide variety of colors, and most of them are solid or block colors. This is a huge plus since it can help you look smaller.
This model tends to provide you with ultimate comfort. Firstly, its material is not only lightweight but also exceptionally air-permeable and moisture-wicking. You will also not feel like it clings to your body when you go out of the water since it dries very quickly. All of these features bring a comfy and confident feeling when you are at the beach.
Sun protection is always a must when it comes to swimming shirts. With the UPF 50+ rating that this rash guard offers, you won’t need to worry about getting sunburned. You can use it as a swim shirt or a normal athletic top. It will be your best companion for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, or other beach uses.
- Come in a loose fit without baggy
- Very light, soft, and comfortable on your skin
- Keep you breathable and cool
- Dries fast with no sticky feeling
- Durable material and seams for longer use
- Great at blocking out harmful UV rays
- It is not recommended to use the washing machine for durability
Best For Large Bust: Aqua Design Rashguard UPF50+ Short Sleeve Women’s Swim Shirt
Key features
- 85% Polyester, 15% Spandex
- 4-way stretch material
- Pull-on closure
- Water-ripple camouflage pattern
- UPF 50+
- Machine washable
Product specs
| Brand | Aqua Design |
| Material | Polyester and spandex |
| Size | XS – 6XL |
| Chest | 30 – 63 in |
| Waist | 26.5 – 59.5 |
| Types of sleeves | Short sleeves |
| Sun protection | UPF 50+ |
| Colors | 5 options |
Selecting the best swim shirts for fat guys is hard, but picking the right one that fits your large bust is much more difficult. But don’t worry. The Aqua Design Rashguard UPF50+ Short Sleeve Women’s Swim Shirt is typically designed to flatter any woman’s figure.
The swim shirt is made of high-quality 4-way stretch fabric, adding ultimate comfort while not restricting your full-body movement. And this is also the main reason making this one of the best for large bust, in addition to its size available.
In addition, its unique and appealing swirling pattern helps conceal your curves in a figure-flattering way. What’s more, this model offers effective UV protection with the maximum UPF rating for all-day protection.
- Long-lasting material even after many uses
- Doesn’t cling to your body even when you get wet
- Provide an incredible level of UV ray protection
- Come in a comfortable fit without sagging
- Doesn’t float up even when it’s underwater
- Quick-drying and bring a cool feeling to touch
- Need to be carefully washed to ensure durability
Best For Small Chest: Aqua Design Short Sleeve Rashguard Men Swim Shirt
Key features
- 85% Polyester, 15% Spandex
- UPF 50+
- Machine washable
- Short sleeves
- 3-D water camouflage pattern
Product specs
| Brand | Aqua Design |
| Material | Polyester and spandex |
| Size | XS – 6 XL |
| Waist | 30 – 69 in |
| Chest | 34 – 69 in |
| Types of sleeves | Short sleeves |
| Sun protection | UPF 50+ |
| Colors | 4 options |
In contrast to the previous swim shirt, the Aqua Design Short Sleeve Rashguard Men Swim Shirt is the best for small chest. However, just because you might be big doesn’t mean your chest’s size is the same. So you need to understand your body to pick the right rash guard.
The 4-way stretch material allows you to move much more comfortably, making it ideal for different active sports, such as swimming, surfing, exercising, or other beach uses. Besides, it is very breathable since this fabric can keep you away from moisture.
Another good point of this rash guard is the soft feeling, in addition to its lightweight. Typically, you will not feel like the swim shirt is sticking to your body when you are out of the water. This is really a huge advantage because it will not show off your stomach and curves.
- Very durable material and easy to care for
- Offer incredible comfort before, during, and after wearing
- Lightweight on the skin while smooth to touch
- Always keep your body cool and air-permeable
- Incredibly flexible for free movement
- Ultimate UV and sun protection for all day long
- You might need to buy one size larger
Best For Lap Swimming: WindRider Men’s Rash Guard Long Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt
Key features
- 83% polyester, 17% spandex
- Long sleeves
- UPF 50+
- Flatlock stitching
Product specs
| Brand | WindRider |
| Material | Polyester and spandex |
| Size | XS – 3XL |
| Chest | – |
| Waist | 27 – 44 |
| Types of sleeves | Long sleeves |
| Sun protection | UPF 50+ |
| Colors | 5 options |
The WindRider Men’s Rash Guard Long Sleeve UPF 50+ Swim Shirt comes in a unique snug fit design. At first, you might think that this is not the right one for fat guys, but don’t worry. The rash guard offers a comfortable fit to your body without making you look like a “sausage”. Typically when you are surfing or swimming, it will not get in the way so that it is just the best for lap swimming.
Plus, the material can effectively wick moisture from your skin. Therefore, you will always feel cool and breathable. This fabric is also easy to care for and fast-drying. The 4-way stretch material is not only durable, comfy but also offers a soft feel.
When wearing this rash guard, you will not have to worry about getting sunburned. The first thing is because it comes with a great UPF 50+ rating that can effectively prevent harmful UV rays. What’s more, the long sleeve design will add extra protection, and unsightly tan lines will no longer appear.
- Extremely comfortable and soft to wear
- Offer efficient and complete protection all day long
- Keep your body warm in cold water with long sleeves
- Great moisture-wicking for ultimate breathability
- Incredibly flexible for unrestricted activities and movements
- Come in a snug fit without too tight
- Might need to get one size bigger than normal;
Best For Sun Protection: BALEAF Men’s Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Sun Protection Rashguard Swim Shirt
Key features
- 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Solid/color block color
- Stand-up crew-neck
- Flatlock seams
- UPF 50+
Product specs
| Brand | BALEAF |
| Material | Nylon and spandex |
| Size | S – 2XL |
| Chest | 35.5 – 48.5 in |
| Waist | 30.5 – 43.5 in |
| Types of sleeves | Short sleeves |
| Sun protection | UPF 50+ |
| Colors | 8 options |
Going to the beach is a great way to get some “vitamin sea” in hot the summertime. But you might worry about choosing a rash guard with excellent sun protection, in addition to choosing the best swim shirts for fat guys. If so, you can seriously consider the BALEAF Men’s Short Sleeve UPF 50+ Sun Protection Rashguard Swim Shirt.
Its fabric offers UPF 50+, blocking up to 95% of harmful UV and sun rays. Therefore, this is considered one of the best for sun protection. The 4-way stretch fabric offers enough elasticity for free movement.
In addition, this swim shirt offers a regular fit, but it is not so tight that it will show off your curves. Featuring flat-block seams, the rash guard can minimize chafing and irritation when you are swimming, surfing, or doing other activities.
- The nylon material is fast-drying for all-day comfort
- Offer an exceptional level of sun protection
- Flatlock stitching brings a more soft feeling to your skin
- Elastic enough for great mobility in all situations
- Exactly fits your body without too tight
- Long-lasting fabric that lasts very long
- The white color seems to be a little bit seen-through
Best For Budget: Amazon Essentials Men’s Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Shirt
Key features
- 100% polyester
- Exposed stitching
- Raglan seams
- Pull-on closure
- Short-sleeve rashguard
- UPF 50
- Machine washable
Product specs
| Brand | Amazon Essentials |
| Material | Polyester |
| Size | 2XL – 7XL |
| Chest | 50 – 72 in |
| Waist | 46 – 68 in |
| Types of sleeves | Short sleeves |
| Sun protection | UPF 50 |
| Colors | Various |
It’s not always a high-priced rash guard that works well for big people. In fact, you don’t need to invest a large amount in this kind of clothing while still getting the right one. And the Amazon Essentials Men’s Short-Sleeve Quick-Dry UPF 50 Swim Shirt is a prominent example of the best for budget when it comes to swim shirts for fat guys.
What I like most about this rash guard is the looser fitting, providing you with a full range of movement and all-day comfort. More importantly, it doesn’t seem to be saggy, which will make you look smaller and slimmer.
The UPF 50 is another strength of this model. It keeps your skin from burning when exposed for too long on a hot sunny day. Besides, it is quick-drying and can prevent clinging to your torso when you are out of water.
- Long-lasting thanks to the high-quality fabric and durable seams
- Breathable and comfortable feel all day long
- Notably soft, smooth, and cool to touch
- Provide good protection from UV and sun rays
- Offer great loose fit without feeling too clingy
- Flexible mobility in all activities and situations
- The color might not be really the same as the picture
Buying Guide – How to Pick the Right Swim Shirts for Fat Guys
As an overweight person myself, I guess that it is always stressful for heavy people to look for the best water shirts for fat guys. I know doubts run through your head and confuse you when you are wondering if this is the right swim shirt for you. I really understand this since I have gone through a whole research journey on swim shirts for fat people. So, below are some of the most important things I think you should consider before deciding to buy any swim shirt.
Types of Swim Shirts
The very first and crucial factor is to know the different types of swim shirts. This way, you can easily find out which type will be your best go-for one.
Generally speaking, swim shirts, also known as rash guards or surf tees, are good for protecting you from the extra sun. For fat guys, this cloth will be perfect when you are feeling a little bit flustered or shy on the swimming pool or beach.
They usually come in a wide variety of thicknesses and styles, but they are almost weightless, commonly water-wicking, and have a UPF 50+ rating (UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor). In addition, as they are made using advanced technology, you can wear swim shirts on hot days while still feeling comfortable and cool.
Basically, there are two major types of swim shirts available on the market:
Rash guards
This type is typically designed for a more snug fit. Surfers tend to choose these rash guards to protect their chests from rashes, as the name implies, caused by surfboards. As you might know, almost all available rash guards offer connectors, allowing you to secure it to your board shorts to prevent them from riding up.
So, if you are in search of a swim shirt suitable for water sports and other water-related activities, this is an ideal choice. However, some heavy people might be a little bit self-conscious and don’t want to show off every curve of their body, so they tend to pass on this type of swim shirt.
However, there are always the best swim shirts for fat guys, as the list I reviewed above, even including some rash guard models. On the other hand, opting for a loose-fitting swim shirt is also a good alternative.
Swim shirts
Also known as surf shirts or surf tees, swim shirts are mainly designed for additional sun protection. They tend to be looser-fitting than rashguards and are also more lightweight.
These swim shirts usually come in a wide range of styles, from slimmer to looser shirts. Furthermore, they offer a variety of patterns and colors for you to choose from. This will be a perfect option for fat guys who want to get more body coverage at the beach or swimming pool, on the boat, or simply at your patio/backyard.
Get Your Size Right
The second most vital factor is to get the right size of swim shirts as your body size. I know that heavier guys tend to make the mistake of buying clothes, shirts that are too big because they think that it will make them look slimmer or smaller. However, this is not actually true because I’m a fat guy, and I used to do this when looking for my swim shirts.
You don’t have to go for a smaller size. Just simply wear what really fits you and makes you feel comfortable. You might see that the shoulder stitches will rest on your shoulder. Of course, your gut may slightly show, but it is because you have one, and there is no need to hide it. No matter if it is a swim shirt or a rash guard, it has to fit you just right.
At the end of the day, you will not want your swim shirts to be too large or loose because they will eventually come off in the water.
Texture
The texture of the material is also a thing that matters when you are looking for the best swim shirts for fat guys. You always want it to be breathable enough and also quick-drying when it comes to swim shirts.
So, from my experience, it is best to go for models made of a combination of polyester or nylon with Elastane. This blend is considered the best for air permeability. It also lets your shirt dry faster, making you feel more comfortable.
Features
Another thing you should pay attention to is the creases and neck quality. These features showcase the process of manufacture and quality of your swim shirts. In the end, you will not want to invest in a surf shirt that doesn’t last long.
Besides, I want to give you some more tips to make you feel more confident when wearing your swim shirts on the beach.
Go for Longer Inseams
My sincerest advice as a fat person who has tried a lot of different swim shirts is not to opt for elastic waist bands. Instead, go for types with longer inseams because they will surely make you feel taller.
Shaking your swim shirts is not a good thing to do. You know, flexible stitching is not your good friend. A pair of board shorts with an inseam of around 7 to 9 inches will be a good idea. Besides, it is great to keep it over your knee. Also, remember to stick to customs. That you, you are sure to get a lot of compliments and avoid public attention to your stomach.
Horizontal stripes are great
This seems to be an “obvious” thing because you will not want people to notice your overweight body. Instead, you can opt for stripes that will absolutely make you appear thinner and slimmer.
Contrary to popular belief, horizontal stripes will make you look slimmer, not wider. So, you might want to think about getting striped shorts and get a little bit of that edge for yourself.
Opt for Darker Colours
This is quite common, and you might have heard that dark colors can take the attention away from your midsection and the whole body. This is exactly true, and it works for fat guys like me.
But it doesn’t mean that you have to choose everything black. Navy, charcoal, and grey are also a good idea. The most important thing is that you just don’t want to draw everybody’s attention to your torso, so such solid and dark colors will be the safest option.
My top Pick
The best swim shirts for fat guys is the one that perfectly fits their bodies because, in the end, you are the person who wears it, not others. So you don’t need to be embarrassed about it, just consider my buying guide above and opt for the most suitable one for you.
Generally, the Kanu Surf Men’s Cb Rashguard Extended Size Swim Shirt is considered the best swim shirt for men, while women can opt for the ATTRACO Women Plus Size Rash Guard Short Sleeve Swim Shirt.